Thursday, May 25, 2017

Ramadan 1438 - 2017

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, the month of Ramadan is held highly by the Muslims across the world. This month which is given great importance as the Noble and Glorious Quran was first revealed during this month to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The importance of this event was more reinforced by having this month as the 'Month of fasting'. Also to reinforce a Muslim's Taqwa (God Consciousness), during this month one has to be generous and charitable. Also on a lighter note, it is said that all the divine books revealed to all the messengers were first revealed during the month of Ramadan.(Go Figure).

UPDATE on the exact date will be made after the ANNOUNCEMENT by Moon Sighting Committee.
Saudi Arabia - The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia announces tomorrow,Friday to be 30th Shaban 1438 as the nascent moon was not sighted. The council observed the nascent moon on 26/05/2017. Therefore, 1st Day of Ramadan to start on Saturday, 27th May 2017.

The Month of Ramadan in Kuwait starts either on Friday 26/05/2017 (Friday) or 27/05/2017 (Saturday) .Since the previous Islamic month of Shaban completes 29 or 30 days is the deciding factor. This year the chances of Shaban being 30 days is high due to the previous month of Rajab being 29 and also based on the scientific astronomical calculations (ASTRONOMICAL not ASTROLOGICAL). In any case, always any decision for the start of any Islamic month can only be made based on the sighting of the Hilal moon (Nascent Crescent of the moon). Any other information made in advance is at best tentative. Wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem, hoping for all of us to better ourselves as humans (as is the need of the hour).

Muslims fast from Dawn to Sunset.
  • Dawn : the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
  • Sunset : the time in the evening when the sun disappears.
In Kuwait the decision factor for announcing about the sighting of the nascent moon is done by the Hilal moon sighting committee comprising of Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and other key members. This year the committee will be gathering on 25/05/2017 around 7 pm after Maghreb (Sunset) prayers at Kuwait Institute for Judicial & Legal Studies.
Photo Courtesy to the Official Gazette for the State of Kuwait 'Kuwait Al Youm'
In Saudi Arabia, the decision factor is done by the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia.
Twitter Handle of Fatwa Council in Madeenah, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia update:
Moon not sighted on 25/05/2017 - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Update (26/05/2017)
1st Day of Ramadan on Saturday - 27/05/2017 - Saudi Arabia



CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid'
CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2016 - 1437 Working Hours'.

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 1436 - 2015'.
CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2015 working hours in Kuwait'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 1435 - 2014'.
CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 2014 working hours'.
CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Masjids in Ramadan 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my post 'Ramadan 1434 - 2013'.

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